When it comes to Christmas markets, the cobblestoned squares of Germany and Austria are most likely to spring to mind.
The intoxicating aroma of roasting chestnuts, the carols, the warmth of a heady glass of Gluehwein, the gently falling snowflakes as you browse traditional craft and trinket stalls … it’s the stuff of dreams.
The grand European cities have been doing it this way since the Late Middle Ages so it’s no wonder we’re drawn to them to experience the ‘real thing’.
But in recent years, western Canada, framed by the stunning Rocky Mountains, has emerged as a spectacular Christmas markets alternative to the great European centres.
In Alberta, the charming alpine town of Jasper, for example, comes alive during the festive season with ice-bars, carolling, amazing decorations, sleigh rides, musicals and workshops.
At Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, you can join the Christmas Festival and partake in stocking workshops, gingerbread-making, skating on the lake, tobogganing, tree-lighting ceremonies, a heated Planetarium experience and s’mores (a traditional campfire treat made with toasted marshmallow, chocolate and biscuit) around the fire pit.
With those snow-capped peaks framing it, The Banff Christmas Market is set in an evocative and romantic location at a horse ranch over a long-weekend, generally at the end of November annually.
This very popular Christmas event is full of stalls showcasing local artisan foods and crafts, there’s the traditional handmade gifts, sweets, gingerbread and hot fruity mulled wine to enjoy along with the strains of local music.
Visitors to this stunning part of the world in winter are also drawn to the fairytale-like beauty of the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. Known as the ‘Castle in the Rockies’, it’s located in the heart of Alberta’s UNESCO World Heritage site – Banff National Park.
Constructed in 1888 by William Cornelius Van Horne, the Canadian Pacific Railway magnate is credited with opening up spectacular western Canada to visitors with his lavish hotel modelled on a Scottish baronial castle.
In neighbouring Lake Louise, Mother Nature turns on a spectacular white wonderland with frozen lakes, outdoor skating rinks and towering snow-blanketed mountains that sparkle under the winter sun.
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And if you’re a skier, then the region’s world-class slopes are simply a given. You can even join the locals with the tradition of hitting the slopes on Christmas Day as all three ski resorts – Lake Louise Ski Resort, Sunshine Village and Mount Norquay – are open.
Just outside Vancouver, the Capilano Suspension Bridge springs to magical life with its canyon lights display.
Built in the late 1800s, the bridge and surrounding canyon walk and trails are decorated with 500,000 lights that illuminate the canyon walls. Next to the bridge, a 30-tonne Douglas Fir becomes the world’s tallest Christmas tree.
Back in Vancouver city, the Vancouver Christmas Market is another nostalgic market filled with sweets, treats and treasures. Running late November to Christmas Eve, it’s the perfect opportunity for last minute gifts.
On Vancouver Island, just outside Victoria, one of Canada’s most famous Christmas attractions is The Butchart Gardens. What began as a labour of love over 100-years ago by Jennie Butchart to cover up the eyesore of an abandoned mine, she created what has become one of the world’s great gardens.
Today, over one million international visitors enjoy the 55-acres on display that boast over 900 bedding-plant varieties. And Christmas is one of the most popular times to visit with thousands of poinsettias lining the gardens and the main house and more than one million light bulbs adding to the festive cheer.
Don’t miss a meal at the ‘The Dining Room’, located in the original Butchart family residence where you can enjoy the same views as the family did overlooking their private garden and Tod Inlet while enjoying the award-winning menu.
If you’re planning a visit to Canada over the Christmas season, then let the experts at Scenic take you on a magical journey that will create lifelong memories.
Scenic’s 14-day Christmas Markets and the Rockies tour takes you on an enchanted excursion that begins in Calgary, concluding in Victoria on Vancouver Island.
Your unforgettable journey includes all transport, some meals and overnight accommodation in Fairmont’s castle hotels which include ‘Scenic Special Stay’ moments.
Your itinerary is packed with amazing Scenic Freechoice and Scenic Enrich moments that only Scenic can deliver.
Scenic Christmas Market & Rockies Tour
Day 1 – Calgary > Banff
Arrive Calgary where you will be met and transferred to Banff.
Your journey begins with a three-night Special Stay at the exclusive Fairmont Banff Springs. At this festive time of year, the Fairmont Banff Springs resembles a magical castle in an enchanted forest. To make your winter fairytale complete, you’ll be ensconced in a mountain or valley view room for three nights.
Tonight celebrate your adventures ahead at a welcome dinner.
Meals included: Dinner
Day 2 – Banff Christmas Market
After a leisurely start to the day, head off to Banff Christmas Market – a celebration of all things merry and bright. Santa arrives in Banff on a sleigh in this land of wonderful handcrafted gifts, culinary delights, warming beverages and caroling.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 3 – Banff
Freechoice – Continue your Canadian winter experience with a dogsledding adventure or a canyon icewalk. Alternatively, you may choose to discover local landmarks and wildlife on a guided tour, or see the mountaintops from above in a helicopter. If you prefer, stay cosy in your ‘Castle in the Rockies’ and rejuvenate in the mineral pools of the Willow Stream Spa.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 4 – Banff > Lake Louise
Take the Banff Gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain for a final view over magnificent Banff National Park before heading to Lake Louise.
Freechoice Dining – There are a variety of restaurants to tempt you this evening.
Retire to your Lakeview room at your two night Special Stay, Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5 – Lake Louise
A free day to enjoy stunning Lake Louise, where you may choose from a range of indoor and outdoor activities or simply indulge in pure relaxation.
Enrich – This afternoon, the ‘man in the red suit’ is a retired member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Make the most of your once-in-a-lifetime encounter.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 6 – Icefields Parkway > Jasper
Travel along one of the most spectacular drives in the world, the Icefields Parkway.
Arrive in Jasper where you’ll enjoy a cosy home at Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge in a junior suite warmed by a fireplace or a wood burning stove.
Enrich – Over the next two days and nights enjoy a special ‘Christmas in November’ programme exclusive to Scenic guests. There will be demonstrations and hands-on activities to give you a host of unusual ideas for your own celebrations back home, from Christmas decorations to delicious food and cocktail recipes, all with a Canadian flavour.
This evening, marvel at the constellations at a private Dark Sky event featuring a heated Planetarium experience followed by s’mores around the fire pit.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 7 – Jasper
Enrich – Your ‘Christmas in November’ activities continue today. This afternoon there will be some free time to relax before a sumptuous private dinner and entertainment, exclusive to Scenic guests.
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8 – Jasper > Okanagan Valley
Drive into the picturesque Okanagan Valley, known for its fine wineries and abundant local produce. You will visit one of the region’s leading wineries and learn about the curious production of ice wine – a delicious dessert wine produced from grapes that have been frozen while still on the vine. This evening enjoy a delicious meal paired with some of the region’s best wines.
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9 – Okanagan Valley > Vancouver Christmas Market
Travel to Vancouver today, arriving in time to explore the local Christmas Market, a beloved holiday tradition for locals and visitors alike. Located in an impressive seaside location, this popular yuletide celebration features more than 80 huts of European-inspired sweets, treats, and treasures – many with a Canadian twist. This is a great opportunity to wow friends and family back home with some memorable handcrafted Christmas decorations and gifts.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 10 – Vancouver
This morning you have some free time to explore Vancouver’s characterful neighbourhoods, such as Gastown, Chinatown and Stanley Park.
This afternoon, visit Vancouver’s ‘forest in the city’, Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, which is even more mystical in the winter. Dinner and overnight will be at the exclusive Fairmont Hotel Vancouver.
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 11 – Vancouver > Whistler
Travel to Whistler, a quaint alpine village nestled against a background of beautiful snow-capped mountains. Visit Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre where a First Nations ambassador treats you to a unique cultural experience. The wonder continues with a two night Special Stay at the exclusive Fairmont Chateau Whistler.
Freechoice Dining – Choose from the best food Whistler has to offer.
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 12 – Whistler
Freechoice – Today you can choose from a range of activities. You might like to take the Peak to Peak Gondola for stunning 360-degree views of Whistler Village, mountain peaks, lakes, glaciers and forests; or embark on a thrilling dog-sledding or snowmobiling adventure. You’ll also have some free time for your own explorations or sheer relaxation.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 13 – Whistler > Victoria
Travel to Victoria on Vancouver Island where you will stay for two nights at the famous Fairmont Empress Hotel.
Enjoy the ‘Magic of Christmas’ seasonal theme at the Butchart Gardens, with ice skating, Christmas lights, holiday wreaths and carol singers.
This evening, your Canadian winter and Christmas Markets adventure draws to a close with a special farewell dinner.
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 14 – Depart
Transfer to Victoria Airport for your departure flight. You’ll arrive home in plenty of time to prepare for your Canadian inspired Christmas celebrations with family and friends.
Meals included: Breakfast
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